Reading call for controls on flats plagued by rubbish issues

Thousands of houses in the town have been converted from family homes into house in multiple occupation ( HMO), which are sought by students and working professionals.

HMOs can provide a flexible and cheaper accommodation option for students, newcomers and professionals in Reading.

However, confusion about bin collection days, what can be recycled and more has led to waste collections and mismanagement issues.

Bins out in Blenheim Road, East Reading, which was mentioned as a road which bin drivers find it difficult to negotiate. Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting Service

HMOs are currently controlled by a national licensing scheme.

Landlord licence holders must ensure the homes are not overcrowded and there are suitable shared amenities for tenants to use.

Furthermore, landlords must provide an updated gas safety certificate to the council every year, install and maintain smoke alarms and provide safety certificates for all electrical appliances upon request.

But licenses only apply to HMOs of five people or more.

However, councils have the freedom to impose a ‘discretionary licence scheme’ on HMOs which have fewer tenants.

READ MORE: Reading move to crack down on landlords turning family houses into flats

Now a call has been made to introduce discretionary HMO licence schemes at a Reading Borough Council meeting.

Dr Sunila Lobo, the Labour candidate for the Redlands in East Reading said: “In Redlands there are a large number of  HMOs, with the Ward having some of the town’s highest levels of hazardous properties, anti-social behaviour, and rubbish and recycling issues.

“The majority of Redlands’ HMOs are small terraced properties in the student area, with up to four occupants.

“As they are classed as ‘small HMOs’, they do not currently require a licence.

“Other university towns such as Oxford and Bristol have successfully used HMO licensing to improve the standard of accommodation, take enforcement action to protect tenants and improve the condition of neighbourhoods.”

Doctor Sunila Lobo who asked a question about rules controlling homes of multiple occupation. Dr Lobo is the Labour candidate for the Redlands ward for the 2024 local elections. Credit: Redlands Labour

Dr Lobo then asked the council administration to support her campaign and introduce a licensing scheme for all HMOs in the East Reading area.

Her question was answered by Jason Brock, the council leader.

Cllr Brock (Labour, Southcote) said: “The Housing Act 2004 contains provisions for the Council to designate discretionary licensing schemes, either for smaller HMOs or for the private rented sector as a whole.

Discretionary Licensing is a tool which the Council can use to improve conditions and management in the private rented sector.”

He then said that council officers are investigating introducing a discretionary HMO licence scheme to areas of Reading.

Cllr Brock continued: “The aim of the schemes proposed is to drive change and provide better homes for our residents, which national evidence shows has positive impacts for health and for families, better educational outcomes.”

A discretionary HMO licence scheme would have to be approved by the council’s Housing, Neighbourhoods & Leisure Committee.

Dr Lobo is hoping to beat David McElroy, the incumbent Green councillor, who was elected in the 2021 and 2022 local elections.

Cllr Brock answered the question at the full council meeting on January 30 in the absence of Ellie Emberson (Labour, Coley) the lead councillor for housing.